Chief Executive, LA84 Foundation
“Simril, president and chief executive of the LA84 Foundation, helps leverage Los Angeles’ Olympic legacy to aid and assist youth by growing access to sports and recreation programs across the state. She has experience in public policy, government, athletics and social impact, among other sectors. She has served on the state Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, was senior vice president of External Affairs for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was appointed by Mayor Karen Bass as president of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks Board, spent time as the senior vice president and chief of staff to the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and worked for more than a decade at Jones Lang LaSalle. Simril has a B.A from Loyola Marymount and a master’s from USC.
What’s the best advice you ever got? Never let success get to your head. Never let failure get to your heart.
What’s your favorite film? “Star Wars.” It is a film about hope, redemption and the force for good in the universe.
What’s at the top of your bucket list? Two extremes: an African Safari and seeing the Northern Lights.
What was your first car? 1965 VW Bug. It was painted powder blue with the doors painted white.
Would you like to have it back? In a heartbeat. Loved that car.
What’s the best thing about living in Los Angeles? Its incredible diversity and cultural richness. L.A. is the world in one city.”
YEARS ON LA500: 9
